Many systems feed on fear. We feed each other.

Thoughts on staying grounded, homemade lumpia, and a new podcast episode, too.

Dear friend,

Like many of you, I’ve been moving through waves of anger, fear, grief, defiant joy, and deep reflection. The latest megabill being pushed forward… Alligator Alcatraz… It’s enough to make our chest tighten. I’ve cried with my mom. I’ve gone to bed afraid for my family and community.

But here’s what I keep returning to:

Everything has a critical mass. In physics and in human systems, pressure builds, but it doesn’t build forever. There is always a breaking point. And often, after the rupture, there is regeneration.

History tells us this too. Empire rises and falls. Control breeds resistance. From the fall of Rome to civil rights movements, the arc may be long, but peace and justice have always had a way of returning through the cracks.

Right now, what helps me most is connection — real, tender, strategic connection. Huddling with others. Building what we can control: our skills, our crafts, our nervous systems, our rituals, yummy meals, belly laughing conversations, our communities.

So this is what we did the past few days! Got wrapped up in our hearts, supportive conversations, and these egg rolls below!

Sure, things can seem like they are falling apart, including the meat from these egg roll wrappers, but there is always something that can bring us back. More egg wash to bind, another wrapper, a resetting breath, and a reminding connection.

Cornbread Recipe Easy and epic for a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I call it Veronica's Come Back Home Cornbread. Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 25 minutes​ ​ Ingredients ▢ 1 cup yellow cornmeal ▢ 1 cup all-purpose flour or tapioca flour for GF option ▢ 1/4 cup sugar or maple syrup ▢ 1 tbsp baking powder ▢ 1/2 tsp salt ▢ 1 cup milk (I used sweetened almond milk) ▢ 1 egg ▢ 1/3 cup oil (butter or olive oil is my favorite) ▢ (optional additions) pepper flakes, fresh cracked black pepper, carrot stems, and/or dill Instructions Preheat the oven to 375°F and coat the inside of a 9-inch pie plate, cast iron skillet, or 8×8 casserole dish with butter or olive oil In a large bowl, stir cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients + any additional ingredients (herbs/ spices), fold with a spatula to combine; don't overmix. Lumps are okay Pour batter into prepped dish, bake for 25 min. Turn off the oven and let the dish sit inside for 5min Edges should be golden brown Cut and share warm <3 I recommend having your additional dishes ready, like beans or meat and steamed veggies, so you can avoid eating the whole batch and instead have a balanced meal because dang these are fire...

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New episode of Sort of Sattva dropped:

Out this week, “What is Ayurveda? - Illegal in the US and saved my life."

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​Also available on Spotify​

This is one goes deep, so take your time with it. Pause, journal, come back to it, share, etc.

A gentle invitation to root into what makes you whole. Because in times like these, living whole becomes not just a personal practice, but a radical, deeply necessary act of resistance and collective care.

We are freaking powerful, dont forget it love!

Warmly xx,
Veronica